Love of Idaho and Vacation Rental Authority are proud to present another story from the 6th grade literature class at Charter Academy.

The Amazing Life in Hayden Lake

By: Sydney

Where can you find fresh water fish and aquatic plants? One place is in the waters of Hayden Lake, Idaho. Many people find these things daily when they’re out fishing in this lake.

If you want to know what fish you’ll find when you’re out fishing on Hayden Lake, here are a few examples of people’s favorites. You could catch a rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, cutthroat trout, or a bullhead catfish. Other favorites that you can find in Hayden Lake include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, or yellow perch. As you can see, you’ll most likely catch a fish that you will be proud of and find delicious.

Not only are there fish in this lake, but plants, too! Some of the most commonly found plants are the Robbins’ pondweed, elodea, large-leaved pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil, and flat-stemmed pondweed. Other, less commonly known plants include coontail, musk grass, northern water milfoil, slender naiad, nitella, and yellow pond lily. More aquatic plants that live in Hayden Lake include leafy pondweed, variable leaf ponweed, floating leaf pondweed, whitestem ponweed, clasped leaf pondweed, white water buttercup, and wild celery.

Next time you go out on Hayden Lake look for these fish and plants. Though not everyone likes the taste of fish or these water plants we still need to look for the environment and our community.

An excerpt from Sixth Lit Times

Love Of Idaho is proud to present a series of stories written by the 6th grade class of Charter Academy. Watch for all our postings from “Sixth Lit Times”

Wildlife of Northern Idaho: The moose and the Grizzly Bear

By: Ben

There are many are amazing animals that live in Northern Idaho. Two of the most famous of all them are the noose and the grizzly bear. These two North Idaho favorites have unique qualities.

The bull-moose has antlers that can grow up the six feet in

diameter. They can live up to fifteen to twenty year old. Moose are naturally extremely good swimmers. They can swim continously for several miles. Moose can hold their breath under water for thirty seconds or more. A moose can measure roughly six and a half feet tall, measured at the shoulder. Moose can run at 35 mph, and trot at 20 mph. Also they can weigh up to 1800 pounds, being the largest wilder herbivore in Idaho.

Grizzly bears are the largest bears in North Idaho, as well as the largest predator. The easiest and most obvious way to tell grizzly bears from other bears is not their size but the distinct hump on their back. That hump is made of pure muscle connected to their frontal paws, giving them enormous strength for digging and clawing. Also, unlike other bears they have long claws, up to four inches long. A grizzly bear’s color can be blond, black, or brown. Adults can grow up to three to four feet tall on all fours, but when standing on their back paws they can be six to seven feet tall. A grizzly bear’s average weight is 300 to 600 pounds and some can weigh as much as 1000 ponds. Grizzly bears can live up to 30 years. They are very agile animals. Can climb trees, are good swimmers, and can run at 35 mph. Originally the grizzlies were hunted to near extinction. The United States added grizzly bears to the endangered species list, illegalizing hunting the grizzly bears. But today in the Northwestern United States they are no longer endangered, but in some places, like Idaho, they are still illegal to hunt.

Like most traits, there are advantages and disadvantages. For example, a moose uses its large antlers in a wide space to rut (fight) with other moose or to fight off predators. A disadvantage to these antlers would be in confined spaces a moose’s large antlers could get it stuck. An advantage a grizzle bear has is that it can fun very fast, up to 35 mph, but only for short bursts. A disadvantage would be, if a grizzly does use that burst of speed for too long than they become extremely tired and fatigued.

Northern Idaho is fortunate to be home to such massive animals. The moose live in the forests and the wetlands while the grizzlies live in the forest and in mountainous terrain. And it’s because of Idaho’s low population that the grizzly bears and the moose have such a large habitat. Both of these animals are amazing, and both of them are native to Northern Idaho.

Looking out my Post Falls window earlier this afternoon, I was excited to see our first snowfall of the year!

My 12-year old daughter is leading the Coeur d’Alene Holiday Parade tonight, though, along with the rest of the 2013 Figpickels Board of Directors. I hoped it wouldn’t flop due to the weather.

Luckily, everyone in town turned out. It was festive, fun, and didn’t even feel cold. We bought hot cocoa and cookies, people watched & just generally enjoyed the holiday kick-off. It’s Christmas time!

Sometimes it’s easy to make the right decision. In the last post we talked about how a personal shopper can not only save you time and money but make your vacation funner and so much easier.

Vacation Rentals earn their income when they book your reservation and provide your lodging. If your booking agent is not being helpful enough, you should shop around. Vacation Rental Authority offers free booking, listing and marketing for our vacation rentals and on top of that we offer an abundance of services for guests who are looking for FREE and paid services to make their vacation perfect.

Stress Free Vacations

How exciting is it to have a vacation to plan for. Your next adventure is just around the corner and you are thrilled to be planning all your activities, tours and culinary experiences in a new, fun destination. So what can you do to make all the planning just a little easier? How can you be sure your plans are going to come off just right? As head of the 1 person planning committee you have a lot of responsibility and several people trusting you to do a good job of planning the itinerary. Vacations are always to short and you want to make the most of every second.

Your guide to flawless vacation planning.

STEP #1 Ask for help.

It really is as simple as that. Ask for help, professional help and it does not have to cost you a single penny. Many local businesses offer FREE services or packages to help guests find their services. Seek out a helpful vacation rental manager and ask for those services you plan on shopping for yourself. You will be surprised at the response you will receive from some small business owners.

Top 6 Questions to ask your vacation rental manager

Ask for a “professional quality activity guide”. Not a note jotted on the back of an envelope or a collection of flyers left over from other travelers. Ask for a quality activity guide so you can review the latest tours, attractions, restaurants and rental providers. An excellent guide will be recently composed, contain contact information and description of the event, attraction or service. Great images are a must have and it should be easy to use. Ask your vacation rental agent to email you their activity guide and if they don’t have one then shop around before you find out what else they do not have.

Ask for a vacation package. You are very likely to purchase event tickets, ski passes, rent a boat, and dine out. Ask your booking agent for a vacation package that includes at least one of these items. Be sure to ask if your agent marks up the price of your requested item, a good booking agent will not mark up these types of services. Vacation Rental Authority offers services like these for the same price you will pay if you purchase directly. In some cases you will save money and make your vacation easier.

Ask your booking agent for help finding things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Send a list of things you plan on doing while on vacation and ask your agent for advise on what to do and who offers the best services. Be sure you booking agent lives locally and then trust their judgement. Who would know better than a professional tourism provider in their own home town?

Ask for dining suggestions and even take out menus. your LOCAL vacation rental agent will know where to dine and what you can expect. If you want good local food at reasonable prices, your local agent will know. If you are looking for fine dining with exquisite service with a stunning view, your agent will know.

Ask your booking agent to do your grocery shopping for you. Yes, your agent should be doing this at a very low cost if not, shop around for a helpful agent. Arriving at your vacation rental with all the condiments and groceries you will need for a couple meals is a great way to start out your relaxing or adventurous vacation. Have your coffee and bagels ready! Again trust your local agent, they will know the best places to find quality local baked goods, fresh produce and meat.

Request a gift certificate for yourself or family member that you can use on a return trip. Returning guests are likely to receive a discount coupon if they are going to be coming back. Ask before you book and let your agent know you would like a nice certificate to offer friends and family. Be sure to ask before you book and you may be surprised at the results.

Our 6 ideas for stress free vacations just begins to touch on the options and services you can get for FREE. Lets consider the value to you in the following example

Free Local Attraction Guide to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho $ 0.00

5 day boat rental for 10% off $ – 400.00

Grocery shopping and delivery $ 29.00

Free restaurant advice and menus $ 0.00

Itinerary for tours, trips and events $ 0.00

$200 in Gift Certificates for family and friends $ -200.00

Total Savings for asking for help $ 371.00

You just saved $371.00 on your vacation by asking your super helpful booking agent to do exactly what an agent should do. Your groceries are in the fridge when you arrive, your boat will be delivered at a discount, your family and friends are getting great gift certificates and you have a wonderful amount of insight about the local fun, dining and adventures available during your stay. Not only did you save money but you saved something more valuable, time.

Ski Coeur d’Alene with Vacation Rental Authority

4 Mountains in 4 Days? Can you rise to the challenge and put all 4 peaks in your trophy case in just 4 days. Vacation Rental Authority will pay for your lift tickets if you can rise to the challenge. Read on to find out how to get your free skiing from Vacation Rental Authority and then call Vacation Rental Authority to book your stay and get your tickets. 800-679-3661

Vacation Rental Authority has wonderful lodging available for ski trips unlike anything you have seen before. Ski 2,3 or 4 mountains in one long weekend or over the span of a week. Stay in our luxurious ski lodges with private hot tubs, spas, and fire places and never be more than an hour to the slopes.

Ski Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Mt Spokane and 49 Degrees North all from your home base in Coeur d’Alene. Each mountain offers excellent skiing and combined you are getting a chance you cannot pass up. Head to Coeur d’Alene this winter and get your Quad On!

If you are ready to take on a real challenge, then contact Vacation Rental Authority and book your 3 night stay at one of our private lodge homes. Ski Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Mt Spokane and 49 Degrees North in just 4 days and VRA will pay for your lift tickets.

Are you planning a wedding in Coeur d’Alene?

Coeur d’Alene has become a destination city. Our resort town is well known and in high demand for those precious summer days. What a pleasant thing to note, Coeur d’Alene is your destination wedding opportunity. If you are looking for a location to have an incredible, unforgettable event, Coeur d’Alene is the place for you.

All four seasons offer the unparalleled beauty of stunning outdoor scenery unlike anything you can find elsewhere. Planning your event in Coeur d’Alene has become easier as local small businesses reach out to brides to be. Red Letter Event Planning and Vacation Rental Authority offer a combined service that can provide everything brides and yes, grooms need to tie the knot.

Many venues are available throughout the year but proper planning is critical to finding the best location at the best price. Summer is going to require booking early, a year ahead of time is a good idea. Fall, Spring and Winter weddings can be stunning and unique for those who want wonderful prices and something fun and different.

Vacation Rental Authority offers extraordinary homes for your wedding. Relax in luxury while your wedding party prepares for the big day. Enjoy jetted tubs, spas, master suites and fireplaces. Your caterer can use the gourmet kitchens and formal dining rooms to prepare for the event and rehearsal dinners. Family and friends can gather for dinner or relax in the theater room to get away from it all. Sleep in beds with fine quality linens and be rested and ready for your special day.

The outdoor venues are spotless and manicured to provide room for your guests. A full range of services and rentals are available and managed so you do not have to worry about those details. Just set your expectations and let VRA and Red Letter Events see that it gets done.

Vacation Rental Authority private rentals are excellent, professionally cleaned and staged. Every service you may choose is available with worry free management from Robyn at Red Letter Event Planning. Rest comfortable in luxury in preparation for your wedding with Vacation Rental Authority and Red Letter Event Planning.

Thank you for joining us as we provide insight into who we are, what we do and who knew what – when. Part 2: Who Knew? expands upon our purpose, while providing examples of what Guest Services are really about.

Once you have a memory-making place to stay via Vacation Rental Authority (see Part 1: What’s the Point? ), it’s time to take your vacation to the next level at no cost to you. Our local experts answer your questions and point you to the best hiking, biking, skiing or swimming spots in the area.

Want a private boat tour of Lake Coeur d’Alene? No problem. Need ski passes for Schweitzer, 49 Degrees or Silver Mountain? We have them. Bike rentals? Paddle boards? Photographer for unforgettable family photos? Done. Our contact list is long and we take care of as much (or as little) as you like.

Allow us to introduce ourselves, our philosophies and our purpose in bite-sized pieces! Part 1: What’s the Point? is the first scrumptious nibble…

Have you ever seen something so beautiful, or had an experience so joyful, you wished everyone you love could experience it too? That’s how we feel everyday about living in North Idaho.

For the Love of Idaho is a heartfelt, 4-Season blog run by Vacation Rental Authority owner Cheryl Kerr. Her passion for the water, snow, trees, wildlife and limitless adventure has led her to market the ideal lodging and experiences available from Coeur d’Alene to Sandpoint, Post Falls to Hayden.

Kerr promises “You simply must find your way to North Idaho; see for yourself what all the fuss is about! You will find awe-inspiring views and unlimited possibilities for fun, relaxation, connection and inspiration.”

We’ve found the best way to see the sites is by tapping into the experience and knowledge of friendly locals, so that is exactly what we are in business to do. At Vacation Rental Authority, we match you with the ideal vacation home for your stay with friends or family. (Have business in mind? We have management and project retreat locations that are out of this world!)

That was quick and easy, right? Now that you know a bit more about us, stay tuned for the next installment. Perhaps we may (or may not) get to the meat of the matter.

Hiking to Chilco peak in the fall is an extraordinary experience. The larch trees begin to change color, their leaves fall to the ground covering the trail with a golden layer of the tiny needles. Larch trees are pine trees that lose their needles after they turn yellow in the fall. The walk on the trail, flat, level and lightly dusted with the golden needles is a beautiful sight in the cold fall air.

Chilco Mountain is located in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest just east of Coeur d’Alene Idaho. The trailhead is accessible by about 10 miles of backcountry gravel roads, the access is fairly easy to find in good weather but inaccessible after deep snow falls. (insert forest service road number this point). Although this hike is challenging it does not require any special equipment other than quality hiking shoes and some cold weather gear. Be prepared for the cold wind maybe some rain and for a challenging hike up hill and the quick easy decent afterwards, so dress in layered clothing.

The hike is a challenging two miles uphill the entire way. Once you reach the top, the trail breaks out into an open rocky windswept slope. A chill breeze usually sweeps across the exposed broken rock making the final traverse of the slope cold but exciting. The views are tremendous, looking across the valley of Coeur d’Alene and the Post Falls area. Stop for a break in a small island shelter of trees and have a snack maybe some coffee before moving on. It’s an exciting moment to feel like your sitting on top of the world.

Although you may be reluctant to leave the beautiful views and scenery you’ll be happy to get out of the cold wind and head back down into the trees. the hike down as much faster of course as it is all downhill. 45 minutes steady walking will bring you back to the trailhead. But you don’t have to rush there is plenty of Wildlife to see so take it slow keep your eyes open.

Fun & open to the public, the CDA wooden boat show is one of the biggest annual events in North Idaho. If you enjoy boating, art, restoration or wood working you will absolutely want to put this event on your calendar.